Road Tyres

Road Bike tyres

Since the arrival of tyres in the 1890s as we know them, tyres have evolved well.
Today there are three types of tyres:

Tubular tyres (sewn on the tube) long reserved for competition, which bring many advantages in terms of efficiency, comfort, flexibility and weight. They are typically more expensive than other tyres and require extra spare tubulars, which are larger than the inner tubes, to be taken with you as it's difficult to repair a tubular along the roadside.

The tubetype tyres, which are the most prevalent on road bikes. They consist of a casing of fabric and rubber, as well as suspension bars that give the tyre its circular shape and allow it to fit the rim of a tread.

There are tyres with stiff or soft casings. The latter is more comfortable thanks to better shock absorption.

Tyres exist in many sections: the 23mm section is the most widespread in training or competition, but the current trend is leaning towards tyres with a 25mm cross section which, according to the results of different tests, have a better performance than the 23mm cross-section tyre.

In the event of a puncture, it's sufficient to repair or replace the inner tube which is housed inside the tyre.

Tubeless tyres are tyres without inner tubes, which were long reserved for mountain bikers. However, they're starting to equip more and more road bikes.

The wheels must be compatible with tubeless tyres.

These tyres offer many advantages: comfort, good performance and the best resistance to punctures thanks to a preventive product that is inserted into the tyre when it's mounted and which fills the perforations up to 5 mm.

Note that the Tubeless Ready tyres make it possible to integrate an inner tube, offering an even better protection against punctures.

Many criteria are to be considered in choosing a tyre according to the priorities you've set: performance, adhesion and safety, comfort, puncture resistance, lightness, durability...

The choice is all the more difficult as tyre brands constantly improve the technical performance of their products.

To help you choose from more than 180 models of tyres on Alltricks, we give you each model's technical specifications.
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Road bike tyres - FAQ

How to choose road bike tyres?

Choosing the right tyres for your road bike is crucial for optimum performance and a safe ride. Here are some points to consider when making your choice:

Dimensions and compatibility: Check the tyre dimensions required for your road bike. Usually, the dimensions are indicated on the side of the tyres and include the width and diameter. Make sure that the tyres you choose are compatible with the dimensions of your rim and your bike.
Type of tyres: There are different types of road bike tyres, such as road tyres, all-season tyres and racing tyres. Consider the type of terrain you usually ride on and choose the tyres that offer the best grip and rolling resistance for your specific needs.
TPI (Thread Per Inch): The TPI refers to the number of threads in the unit of one inch inside the tyre. A higher TPI indicates a lighter, more flexible tyre that may offer better traction and comfort, but may be less resistant to wear. Consider your riding style and road conditions to determine which TPI is best for you.
Tyre pressure: Tyre pressure is an important factor to consider to ensure an optimal riding experience. Check the manufacturer's recommended pressure range and adjust your tyre pressure according to your personal preferences and road conditions. Higher pressure may offer less rolling resistance, but may reduce comfort and grip.
Puncture resistance: Some road bike tyres offer specific features to reduce the likelihood of punctures, such as reinforced layers or puncture protection. Consider whether you want tyres that offer increased puncture resistance, especially if you ride on rough roads or with debris.

The choice of tyres depends on your personal preferences, riding style, road conditions and the type of riding you intend to do.

How do you measure bike tyres?

Use a measuring gauge or tape measure to measure the actual width of the tyre. Be sure to place the instrument perpendicular to the surface of the tyre to obtain an accurate measurement. The width will be expressed in millimetres.

For the diameter of the rim. Measure only the metal part of the rim, excluding the tyre. The diameter will be expressed in millimetres.

Once you have the measurements, you can use them to identify tyres compatible with your racing bike. Also check the manufacturer's recommendations to ensure you choose the appropriate tyres. Tyre sizes vary depending on the type of bike.

What are the best tyres for racing bikes?

Choosing the best tyres for road bikes depends on several factors, such as personal preference, riding style and road conditions. However, there are some popular and well-judged options to consider:

Continental Grand Prix 5000: Praised for their rolling resistance and good grip, these tyres offer excellent traction on dry and wet roads. They also feature reliable puncture protection.
Pirelli P Zero Velo: With an advanced rubber compound, these tyres offer excellent smoothness and durability. They are designed to provide superior performance on paved roads and feature improved puncture resistance.
Schwalbe Pro One: These tyres are characterised by low rolling resistance and excellent grip. They offer a fast and smooth ride, providing good traction even in bends.
Vittoria Corsa G2.0: With a versatile rubber compound, these tyres combine durability and performance. They offer low rolling resistance and good grip on a variety of road surfaces.

What tyres do professional cyclists use?

Professional cyclists often use high-quality tyres to maximise performance during competitions. Here are some of the most popular tyres among professional cyclists:

Continental Competition: These tyres are widely used in the world of professional cycling. They offer a combination of low rolling resistance, good grip and puncture protection. They are designed for high performance on asphalt and paved roads.
Pirelli P Zero Velo Tubular: Tubular tyres are also used by many professional cyclists for their light weight and superior grip. The Pirelli P Zero Velo Tubular offers an advanced rubber compound and tubular construction that provides a fast and stable ride.
Vittoria Corsa Speed: These tyres are designed to maximise speed. With low rolling resistance and lightweight construction, they offer a responsive ride and exceptional traction. They are ideal for road racing where speed is of the essence.
Michelin Power Competition: With a high-grip rubber compound and lightweight design, Michelin Power Competition tyres are prized for their low rolling resistance and durability. They offer a balance between performance and reliability.

How long do road bike tyres last?

The life of road bike tyres varies depending on several factors. In general, high-quality tyres can last 2,000 to 5,000 kilometres, but this depends on many factors such as road conditions, riding style, tyre pressure and proper maintenance. Driving on rough roads or with debris can cause more frequent punctures and reduce tyre life. Tyre pressure must be checked regularly to avoid damage and improve efficiency. In addition, proper maintenance, such as regular cleaning, UV protection, and the use of puncture sealants, can prolong tyre life. It is important to inspect tyres regularly for signs of wear, cuts or tread failure and replace them when necessary to ensure safety and performance while riding.

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Road Tyres

Road Bike tyres

Road bike tyres - FAQ

How to choose road bike tyres?

How do you measure bike tyres?

What are the best tyres for racing bikes?

What tyres do professional cyclists use?

How long do road bike tyres last?

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Also recommended

Road Tyres

Road Bike tyres

Road bike tyres - FAQ

How to choose road bike tyres?

How do you measure bike tyres?

What are the best tyres for racing bikes?

What tyres do professional cyclists use?

How long do road bike tyres last?

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